Windows AppCertDLL Modification Via Command Line
This analytic detects attempts to modify AppCertDLL registry keys via some command line utility. Values under this key are used to specify DLLs loaded by the Windows Session Manager. Such modifications can be abused…
Description
This analytic detects attempts to modify AppCertDLL registry keys via some command line utility. Values under this key are used to specify DLLs loaded by the Windows Session Manager. Such modifications can be abused by attackers to load malicious code early in the system startup process, enabling persistent malware execution with high privileges. If confirmed malicious, this behavior may lead to system compromise, persistence, and the evasion of security controls.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Modifications to AppCertDLL keys may be made by legitimate software updates or trusted system management tools. Review changes to ensure they are from approved sources.
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| www.hexacorn.com/blog/2013/01/19/beyond-good-ol-run-key-part-3/ | 3from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 3ba73a2b-3396-47e4-bdef-c80e6a7895c0
- Tagged by the source as
- Windows Persistence TechniquesWindows Privilege EscalationEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1